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Dahlia Apodaca, 4, wiped away the crumbs as she worked on tasting a tray of "pupcakes" at a fundraiser for PAWS on Saturday at the Riverton Senior Citizens and Community Service Center. Photo by Wayne Nicholls

Pupcakes for a cause: PAWS event raises money, awareness

Apr 4, 2012 - By Emily Etheredge, Staff Writer

Iain Magruder wanted to experiment with a cupcake recipe made of bacon, pancakes and maple syrup. The 9-year-old baker was pleasantly surprised with his concoction.

He won first place for best flavor at the Pupcakes cupcake contest and sale March 31 at the Riverton Senior Citizens and Community Service Center.

The event, sponsored by PAWS animal shelter in Riverton, raised more than $1,000 for the shelter.

PAWS manager Gina Gladman said the money would be used for general care and maintenance at the shelter, including the purchase of medicine, kennel supplies and anything else that keeps the shelter running.

"The response from the community to help the animal shelter has been incredible, and we are really pleased with the turnout of everyone who made cupcakes for the event," Gladman said.

Participants in the contest were required to enter two dozen cupcakes into five categories: best decorated, kid-friendly, chocateley-est, gluten-free and most flavorful.

Twelve judges, including Mayor Ron Warpness, determined the winners.

Eleven-year-old Emma Magruder said she found inspiration for her cupcake design while reading her American Girl magazine. Emma experimented with using Arnold Palmer -- a drink that is half iced tea and half lemonade -- instead of water in the cake batter. Her cupcakes were made with bright blue icing and pearl-like sprinkles scattered around a yellow fondant duck, which made the treat resemble a bubblebath.

"I had a lot of fun making my cupcakes and really enjoyed experimenting with the cake batter," Emma said.

Eight-year-old Cole Broadhead said he wanted to make a cupcake with tentacles. He decided on an alien theme that would provide a fright for anyone wanting to test their bravery.

"Decorating them was my favorite part," Cole said. "I decided the eyes needed to be black with chocolate chips and M&Ms for a mouth."

Gladman said the event encourages creative baking and was something in which the whole family could participate.

"This is something fun to do on the weekend with your family," Gladman said.